Fall/Winter 2007
WSA
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Welcome
to the fall/winter issue of “Currents & Profiles,” the National
Watershed, Soil, and Air (WSA) Technology and Development Centers’ news and notes to
the field. It’s time to submit project proposals for the FY 2009 Watershed T&D program of
work. See the section “News from the WSA T&D Steering Committee.”
“Currents & Profiles” updates the watershed community on the progress of our projects and
newly available publications. This issue includes the following topics:
•PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
•CURRENT PROJECTS - UPDATES
•NEWS FROM THE WSA T&D STEERING COMMITTEE
•PUBLICATIONS AND TRAINING AIDS
•LINKS OF INTEREST
•STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND WSA T&D STAFF
Mission Statement
To systematically apply scientific knowledge and advanced technology
to create new or substantially improved equipment, systems, materials,
processes, techniques, and procedures to meet the challenges
and objectives of sustainable forest ecosystems management.
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0825 1802—SDTDC
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•PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Complex, 20- to 40-percent slopes. For unit 81, the
soil map unit is 202 Neuns – Holland Complex, 20- to
40-percent slopes.
Measuring Soil Moisture to Lower Risk of Compaction
from Equipment Operations
Study Design
The study area was a thinning project with green tree
removal patches using helicopter, skyline, and tractor
skidding. All units selected are mechanical tractor
thinning on flatter, nonrocky soils (Holland, Marpa).
Proposed by: Wayne Johannson, Plumas National
Forest (Region 5)
Site selection process
uEliminate soils with rock fragments greater than 35
percent and focus on mechanical harvest grounds
with less than 35-percent slopes.
uIdentify soils with high or severe compaction
ratings.
uSample undisturbed, disturbed, landings, and skidtrails on homogeneous soils.
uRandomly measure soil moistures and compare with
grab samples for lab soil moisture determinations
and bulk density (do 10 reps/disturbance/harvest
area from May to July when soils are drying).
Testing Methodology
Calibrate the Moisture Function
The moisture calibration should be performed before
testing and at regular intervals during testing (once every
several hours). This ensures accuracy and repeatability of
the tests.
In 2007, the San Dimas Technology and Development
Center (SDTDC) worked in collaboration with several soil
scientists across the country to test soil moisture probes.
The following is a report on the Aquaterr Digital Soil
Moisture Meter written by Brad Rust of the Shasta-Trinity
National Forest (Region 5). For more information on soil
moisture probes, consult the project Web page, which is
updated when new information is received.
http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/im/Soil%20
Projects/Moisture/im%20template.shtml
Fully immerse the sensor end in water, keeping the meter
end out of the water at all times. While the probe is in
the water, push the “MSTR” button. While pushing down
on the “MSTR” button, turn the “SET” knob until the meter
reads 100. The moisture meter is now ready to use.
Measure Soil Moisture Content
Ensure that the probe is contacting the soil. Take several
readings about 1-foot apart at each location to make
sure that there is not a problem with one location.
Problem
When are soils dry enough to operate on without
causing detrimental compaction? The study area is the
Beegum-Corral Timber Sale (units 49, 70, 76, and 81).
Push the probe into the soil to desired depth. If the
ground is too hard, dig a hole to the desired test depth,
insert probe, and tamp tightly. The sensing window must
be in contact with the soil to get repeatable results. Push
Soils
Most soils are rocky (Deadwood and Neuns) with flatter,
nonrocky areas of Holland and Marpa. For harvest units
49, 70, 76, the soil map unit is 106 – Holland-Neuns
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the “MSTR” button. The meter reading indicates the soil
moisture level. Wipe off the probe with a towel between
readings.
Strategy for developing soil moisture ratings
for forest-level management
Test area to be harvested on soil of concern before
onset and during operations (May to July). Test with
soil moisture probe and compare with grab samples to
create cross-walk graph (see above).
Frequency of testing
If possible, test soils every 2 weeks from May to the end
of July.
Develop ratings for various fine-textured soils (sandy
loams, loams, clay loams) throughout your forest to be
used in developing a forest soil moisture harvesting map.
Create three graphs for sandy, loamy, and clayey soils
with varying amounts of precipitation throughout the
forest.
Results
Sites were measured using five random 200-foot
transects in the activity area both before and after
harvest (measured from May 9 to August 7, as soils
were drying). Aquaterr soil moisture and soil core
samples were taken to create a cross-walk graph (see
below).
Use soil moisture in conjunction with bulk density to
develop limited operating period (LOP) map for various
areas and soils throughout the forest (for LOP map
development, create a forest precipitation map and
group precipitation zones in 2-inch zones to be used
with soils layer and created data to create LOP map).
A quat er r vs. Oven Dr y Cor e on loam soil
Aquaterr
Core Sample
70
60
With LOP map, use a cone penetrometer to locally
adjust “put on” and “take off” times based on soil
strength (create soil strength graph in relation to time,
moisture, and bulk density to judge significance).
50
40
30
Percent Moisture
20
10
5/23/07
6/6/07
6/20/07
7/4/07
7/18/07
Advantages and disadvantages of Aquaterr
soil moisture probe
The Aquaterr is easy and fast to use on fine-textured soils
that are moist or slightly moist, but use on rocky soils
requires predigging. When pushing a probe into the
ground, voids, rocks, and roots cause errors and may
require additional sampling to ensure accurate readings.
8/1/07
Date
In addition to penetrometer readings, soil cores were
taken at the 4- to 8-inch zone along each transect.
These measurements evaluated soil strength and bulk
density. The data from each transect were evaluated by
averaging and then comparing the type and extent of
disturbance.
Since Aquaterr measures soil moisture on a volumetric
basis, collect additional soil samples to create a crosswalk graph to measure soil moisture on a weight basis.
Collect samples on sandy loams, loams, and clay loams
to create a complete cross-walk graph, or separate into
three graphs.
The machine performs well when calibrated before
starting each day. Take five readings per site and
average the results for that site. Ensure good soil contact.
When working in rocky soil, dig a hole to the desired
depth, insert probe, and tamp to get good soil contact.
Take five readings per hole and average the readings.
By creating a cross-walk graph for sandy loam, loam,
and clay loam soils, the machine can be used with
confidence by matching the texture to the correct graph.
For more information on this study, contact Brad Rust at
(530) 226-2427 or by e-mail at brust@fs.fed.us.
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•CURRENT PROJECTS - UPDATES
Development of Science-Based Winter Guidelines for
Mechanical and Fuels Treatment Operations
Proposed by: John Townsley, Randy Tepler, and Brad
Flatten (Region 6)
Winter logging guidelines vary from forest to forest
and often lack science-based guidelines to determine
appropriate field conditions. Field practitioners from the
Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forest (Region 6)
have tried to identify the conditions which are conducive
to winter logging. This year we hope to field test
different equipment to determine depth of frozen snow,
soil temperatures, air temperatures, and snow depth
that correlate with easily identifiable visual indicators.
Working with a team of researchers, soil scientists,
timber sale specialists, and timber sale administrators
we hope to increase our understanding of the dynamics
involved in determining appropriate winter logging
conditions for protection of the soil resource.
Science-based guidelines help determine appropriate
winter logging conditions.
We need to hear from you! If you have winter logging
guidelines or suitable tools to measure snow and frozen
ground conditions send an e-mail to SDTDC project
leader Carolyn Napper at cnapper@fs.fed.us.
We are also interested in testing the criteria we develop
in winter 2008 on other forests. If you have an area
where you expect to be conducting winter logging in
both 2008 and 2009, send us an e-mail.
A Web page of our progress will be posted on the
WSA Web site and updated as new information is
available. Remember to bookmark this site for future
needs: http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/
wsa/index.htm
For further information, contact SDTDC project leader
Carolyn Napper by phone: (909) 599-1267, ext 229,
or e-mail: cnapper@fs.fed.us.
The depth of frozen soil may be an important criterion to
prevent adverse impacts to soils.
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National Road Best Management Practices:
Compilation of Research on Their Effectiveness
Water Diversion Control Structures
The proposed Forest Service National Best Management
Practices (BMP) Program is the Agency’s nonpoint source
pollution control program for achieving water resource
conservation and protection. The program consists
of direction and guidance to facilitate an adaptive
management approach for accomplishing land and
water treatments while protecting water resources
as required by the Clean Water Act. The two main
components of the program include:
A rough draft of the field guide for planning diversion
installations is about 60-percent complete. We are
looking for matching funds from agency partners
to complete the draft. Dan Axness, an experienced
diversion designer from McMillen Engineers, Boise,
Idaho, is the author.
Proposed by: Dave Gloss, Medicine Bow National
Forest (Region 2).
Proposed by: Carolyn Napper (SDTDC)
Phase 2 of this project aims to develop diversion
infrastructure capable of controlling the headgate such
that negotiated variable in-stream flows are maintained
downstream of the diversion. The U.S. Department of
the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Water Resources
Research Lab is already working on such installations
and is willing to help on the project. We are looking
for funding partners to help support the Bureau’s
participation.
1. Direction (Forest Service Handbook) – National BMPs
uConsistent set of practices for common FS
management activities.
uGeneral overview for applying BMPs to projects.
uPart of Forest Service Directives system – regions
and forests can supplement to meet local
conditions.
For further information, see the project Web page
http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/wsa/
h2odiver/index.htm, or contact SDTDC project leader
Kim Clarkin at (909) 599-1267, ext. 209 or kclarkin@
fs.fed.us.
2. Guidance (Technical Guide) – BMP Monitoring
uConsistent set of protocols for monitoring BMP
implementation and effectiveness.
uNational BMP monitoring program.
uNational multimedia training program.
uStandardized data collection forms and database.
In conjunction with the new National BMP program,
SDTDC is developing a technical reference on the
effectiveness of national road best management
practices. For further information contact SDTDC project
leader Kim Clarkin by phone (909) 599-1267, ext
209, or e-mail: kclarkin@fs.fed.us.
Soldier Creek diversion, Medicine Bow National Forest,
May 30, 2006. (photo by Dave Gloss)
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Software Application for BMP Monitoring Field Data
Recorder
Soil, Water, Road Condition Index (SWRCI)
The National BMP effort is well underway and several
teams are contributing to the development of the new
monitoring protocol. Draft monitoring protocols were
developed for ‘Vegetation Harvest and Regeneration
Activities’ and ‘Rangelands’ during summer 2007.
Draft ‘Road’ BMP monitoring protocol is expected to be
completed by April 2008.
SWRCI is being edited and will be available spring
2008. The field guide provides users with a data
collection sheet, photographs of the selected indicators
in various conditions, and instructions on how to use
SWRCI as a rapid assessment tool for the effect of roads
to soil and water. The document provides the scientific
rationale for the selection of each indicator. The final
draft document will be posted to the following Web
page in January 2008: http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.
us/programs/eng/SWRCI/project_index.shtml. For
more information on the project, contact SDTDC project
leader Carolyn Napper at (909) 599-1267, ext 229,
or cnapper@fs.fed.us.
Proposed by: John Bell, WO Engineering, and Keith
Simila, Alaska Region Engineering. Project is cofunded
by Engineering and WSA.
Proposed by: Sherry Hazelhurst and Rick Henderson
(WO)
SDTDC is assisting these teams in developing
recommendations for data recorders best suited for BMP
monitoring and suitable data entry software application
for the BMP data.
For further information, contact SDTDC project leader
Carolyn Napper by phone: (909) 599-1267, ext 229,
or e-mail: cnapper@fs.fed.us.
Low Impact Fire Plow Line Sweeper/Blower
Proposed by: Allen Nicholas and Kara Kleinschmidt,
Shawnee National Forest (Region 9)
This project is to develop an attachment for a low
ground-pressure implement to remove organic litter
off the fireline and to reduce adverse impacts to soils
from repeated plowing. Currently, a market search
has been completed and field testing of equipment is
scheduled for 2008. Contact Missoula Technology
and Development Center (MTDC) project leader Keith
Windell (406) 329-3956 or kwindell@fs.fed.us.
Road surface drainage can be a source of erosion and
sediment delivery to streams.
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•NEWS FROM THE WSA T&D STEERING
COMMITTEE
New Satellite Telemetry System for Smoke Monitors
Proposed by: Interagency Smoke Monitoring Committee
Air quality specialists and fire managers use smoke
monitors to determine particulate- concentration levels
and impacts from prescribed and wildfire smoke. Data
from these monitors are transmitted by satellite to a
Web server (http://www.airsis.com/usfs) for updated,
real-time results. A new satellite telemetry system has
been developed for most air quality monitors used by
the Forest Service. The new system uses the Iridium
satellite constellation which provides much more reliable
and timely data transmission than the previous telemetry
system. Testing has shown that the system is powerful
enough to transmit data inside buildings, a stark
improvement over the original system. Systems have
been tested satisfactorily for the Met One Instrument’s
EBAM and E-Sampler particulate monitors. The project
will be completed when testing for the DataRam 4
particulate monitor is finished this winter.
The formal FY 2009 call letter for proposals was
signed December 11, 2007. The WSA committee
plans to meet April 8-10, 2008, to review proposals
for new projects. If you have an idea for a project, we
encourage you to submit it using the form on the SDTDC
WSA Web page: http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/
programs/wsa.
Proposals should be in line with program objectives: to
seek out the latest technology, processes, methods, and
equipment that will facilitate solutions to field problems.
The criteria the committee uses to evaluate proposals
are listed on the Web page under “Selection Criteria.”
Note that proposal should have nationwide application
or significance, and should not be requests for funding
forest projects. You may want to consider discussing
your ideas with your regional representative. They
may be able to help you with the proposal and better
address the evaluation criteria. Early awareness and/or
involvement in preparing the project proposal allows the
regional representative to better explain and advocate
for the project.
For more information about this project, contact MTDC
project leader Andy Trent at (406) 329-3912 or atrent@
fs.fed.us.
Smoke Monitoring Training Aid
Proposed by Pete Lahm, WO Fire
The deadline for submitting proposals for FY 2009
projects is March 19, 2008. The committee looks
forward to your active participation in the program. To
submit a proposal click on: http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.
fed.us/pubs/proposal/online.shtml.
A Flash Media training program is being developed
for the E-BAM (Environmental Beta-Attenuation Monitor)
which monitors smoke particulate concentrations. Like
the program developed for the DataRam4, the program
will be distributed via the Web (see Using the DataRam4
Particulate Monitor below, under Publications and
Training Aids).
Submitted by: John Potyondy, Watershed, Soil and Air
Committee Chairman
For further information, contact MTDC project leader
MaryAnn Davies at (406) 329-3981 or mdavies@
fs.fed.us.
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•PUBLICATIONS AND TRAINING AIDS
•LINKS OF INTEREST
“Smoke Particulate Monitors: 2007 Update”. 0625
2842. Missoula, MT: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Forest Service, Missoula Technology and Development
Center.
This evaluation updates earlier evaluations of real-time
monitors. These monitors can be used to evaluate air
quality in areas affected by smoke from wildland fires.
The evaluation was conducted in a laboratory setting
and compared each monitor to at least one more
identical monitor, to the other monitors evaluated, and
to a Federal Reference Method sampler that was used
as the standard. The DUSTTRAK monitor manufactured
by TSI Inc., had not been evaluated before, nor had
the external ac pump. http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/
php/library_card?p%20num=0625%202842.
1. The Natural Resources Conservation Service recently
released “Stream Restoration Design”—a new section
of the National Engineering Handbook (NEH-654)
intended to be a companion guide to “Stream Corridor
Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices”
(NEH-653). Part 654 includes design techniques
and assessment methods for stream rehabilitation
design (chapter 14), information on preconstruction
and construction (chapter 15), monitoring and
maintenance (chapter 16), and permitting (chapter
17). Information on how to download or order the
guide on CD is at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/
thisweek/2007/100307/techtip100307.html
2. Currently available online is “Developing
Monitoring Plans for Structure Placement in the Aquatic
Environment.” This guide has three objectives:
“Using the DataRam4 Particulate Monitor” – The
DataRam4 is a portable smoke particulate monitor
that determines smoke concentration trends. A training
presentation is available that shows how to set up the
monitor and the satellite transmission unit to send data to
the Interagency Real-Time Smoke Particulate Monitoring
Web site. The presentation is available for Forest Service
and Bureau of Land Management personnel in Flash
Media format at: http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/
pubs/flash/fla07252F01/index.swf, or can be viewed
at: http://fsweb.mtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/pubs/flash/
fla07252F01/videos/256k.wmv.
For all other agencies, the presentation is available
in Flash Media format at http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/
pubs/flash/fla07252F01/index.swf (Username: t-d,
Password: t-d), or can be viewed at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/flash/fla07252F01/
videos/256k.wmv (Username: t-d, Password: t-d).
Contact MTDC project leader Mary Ann Davis at (406)
329-3981, or mdavies@fs.fed.us.
uTo provide a recommended format for designing
and planning monitoring projects.
uTo create a list of possible methods for monitoring
various project objectives, such as human, riparian,
aquatic habitat, and aquatic populations.
uTo highlight case studies of monitoring efforts.
Most publications on monitoring take a “how to”
approach, focusing on describing procedures or
methodologies. This guide takes a management
approach, studying ways of identifying, planning,
designing, and implementing a successful project
monitoring effort. The guide lists and refers to
appropriate procedures or methodologies it does
not focus on describing them in detail. Look for this
document at the following address:
http://fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/eng/
Monitoring%20Channel%20Structure%20Placements/
sample-project/index.shtml
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3. Information on the Soil Field Guide project, which
links the draft Region 1 Soil Disturbance Guide to photos
of each soil disturbance class, can be found at: http://
fsweb.sdtdc.wo.fs.fed.us/programs/im/Soil%20
Projects/Field%20Guide/im%20template.shtml.
During FY 2007, each Forest Service region was visited
to obtain pictures of soil disturbance from mechanical
activity. Over 1,000 photographs were taken to capture
visually identifiable soil disturbance. Currently a small
team is working on organizing the photographs to define
visual attributes that are easily communicated, and
correlate with soil variables that affect productivity and
hydrological or ecological function.
The page is continually updated to provide the latest
information on the project, disturbance class condition
forms, and photos of mechanized equipment. This
SDTDC Inventory and Monitoring Program project
is ongoing with help from Rocky Mountain Research
Station (http://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/smp/solo/
whats_new.php) and Region 6. For more information
on the project, contact SDTDC project leader Carolyn
Napper at (909) 599-1267, ext. 229, or cnapper@
fs.fed.us.
•WSA STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The photo guidebook will also contain background
information on why the guide is needed, objectives,
and standardized terminology. Our targeted audience
includes soil scientists, hydrologists, sale administrators,
NEPA coordinators, timber cooperators, and the general
public. The guide provides an adaptive management
approach and explains how visual classes will enable us
to move forward in ensuring soil health and productivity
are maintained.
John Potyondy – Chairman; Director, Stream Systems
Technology Center
970-295-5986 jpotyondy@fs.fed.us
Sherry Hazelhurst – National Surface Water Hydrologist
Washington Office
(202) 205-1093
shazelhurst@fs.fed.us
Tim Sullivan – Water Team Program Manager Region 1
406-329-3185
tsulllivan@fs.fed.us
Karri Cary – Hydrologist Region 2, Shoshone NF
307-578-1232
kcary@fs.fed.us
Wayne Robbie – Regional Soil Scientist Region 3
505-842-3253
wrobbie@fs.fed.us
Rick Hopson – Regional Hydrologist Region 4
801-625-5755
rhopson@fs.fed.us
Brent Roath – Regional Soil Scientist & BAER Coordinator
Region 5
707-562-8941
broath@fs.fed.us
Platey soil structure serves as a visual indicator of
disturbance.
Brian Staab – Regional Hydrologist Region 6
503-808-2694
brianstaab@fs.fed.us
Working together with research quantitative indicators of
soil quality will then be validated and correlated to each
of the visual soil disturbance categories. To stay informed
on the progress of this project contact the project leader
or check the following Web page for more information.
Suzanne Krieger – Hydrologist Region 8
404-347-7209
skrieger@fs.fed.us
Neil Babik – Soil Scientist Region 9
414-297-3622
nbabik@fs.fed.us
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Julianne Thompson – Hydrologist Region 10
907-772-5873
jethompson02@fs.fed.us
Mike Furniss – Hydrologist PNW/PSW Research Station
541-758-7789
mfurniss@fs.fed.us
Rich Fisher – WO Air Program Manager WO
970-295-5981
rwfisher@fs.fed.us
•T&D STAFF
Dave Aicher – Center Manager MTDC
406-329-6902
daicher@fs.fed.us
Dick Karsky – Program Leader, Air MTDC
406-329-3921
dkarsky@fs.fed.us
Andy Trent – Mechanical Engineer MTDC
406-329-3912
atrent@fs.fed.us
John Fehr – Center Manager SDTDC
909-599-1267, ext. 211
jfehr@fs.fed.us
Dexter Meadows – Program Leader, Watershed SDTDC
909-599-1267, ext. 276
dmeadows@fs.fed.us
Kim Clarkin – Hydrologist SDTDC
909-599-1267, ext. 209
kclarkin@fs.fed.us
Carolyn Napper – Watershed Specialist SDTDC
909-599-1267, ext. 229
cnapper@fs.fed.us
Ellen Eubanks – Landscape Architect SDTDC
909-599-1267, ext. 225
eeubanks@fs.fed.us
Marty Willbee – Outdoor Recreation Planner SDTDC
909-599-1267, ext. 231
mwillbee@fs.fed.us
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